The art of gardening is not only about craft and hard work. After all — what good is the most beautiful garden if the gardener never sits down to enjoy it? Amid all the pruning, planting, and perfecting, we often forget that the truest reward lies not in the labor, but in the quiet moment that follows.
The air carries that quiet shift between summer and fall — when the sunlight feels softer, the evenings come sooner, and our wardrobes start craving warmth again. The last golden rays invite a final dance with color, and this year, I’m falling for the magic of bright sky blue paired with creamy, sun-kissed caramel.
People who do, who jump in, who carry that spark of energy to make things happen. In my hotel world, that spirit is essential – it always takes a big heart and just the right dose of creative improvisation.
Just look at Dee’s cover photo with the print sheets of her new book – how brilliant to turn those giant paper sheets into a dress! Last Saturday, I had the joy of meeting this incredible woman, who, as she says, “shows her underwear every day.” On top of that, I was honored to meet wonderful women – so many topics surfaced in such a short time, and our views were so beautifully likeminded.
Even with the rain (surely bringing extra luck to the new book!) there was endless laughter and storytelling. I couldn’t resist capturing a few snapshots and snippets of conversation. Because yes – our days are always full, but nothing replaces REAL human connection in REAL life – or even better: women’s time.
Merci, Daniella @inbarandco, for the little Swarovski stone that already gave me this „special kind of assistance“ today. And thank you, Dayenne @dayennebeccker, for your incredible smile and all the “fuel” you carry within to recharge others. I hope we’ll all stay “in contact” in one way or another.
À bientôt,
Today in the book of life, page 9.
It feels just right for the 4 months left this year. Let’s go.
“Everything is fine. Just the way it is.”
Try this out for yourself this week – don’t just read the words, say them out loud every morning.
When I carry this sentence within me, everything feels so much lighter.
So many of the questions inside me, the restlessness, the search for change – they all find their answer here.
And believe me – at 13, 23, 33, or 43, these words would have been hard for me to accept.
But today, at 53, it’s okay – just the way it is. 🙂
Let me know what you think of this petit conseil.
Have a truly wonderful day! 🌿
Paris – always alive, always moving, always whispering „joie de vivre“. People smile, they look at each other – beauty is everywhere. This time I was in Paris “on business” – what a privilege to explore a potential hotel project and to join a wonderful gathering of inspiring women for the book launch of THE GUIDE (a must read) and to meet Dee and Dayenne from andbloom.
I returned full of good vibes – and here comes my personal Top 7. Maybe you’ll find a little gem for your next Paris trip. Because yes, no matter how everyday life feels – 48 hours in Paris beat any hormone shot (and are far more natural!).
À très bientôt,
And today, a pearl of the Arts & Crafts movement: Tim Oulton in London. Back when we set up our hotel THE STARNBERGSEE HIDEAWAY, we furnished it almost entirely with this brand – simply timeless and unique pieces. Everything is handcrafted with the finest materials.
Enjoy browsing – and if something catches your eye, feel free to reach out to me.
PS: For me, Arts & Crafts in today’s world means celebrating craftsmanship, authenticity, and beauty that stands the test of time. Another reason for „becauseofmyage“ – aging interior meets aging ladies 🙂
I can’t wait — just a few final touches, and the brand new homepage at unique hotel spirations.com will be live! One of the highlights? The beautifully curated Bar area — a place to gather stories, share moments, and sip on a little soul.
In July, we had a very special guest:
Diana Ross— 81 years young and bursting with energy.
It was one of those unforgettable evenings, surrounded by people who danced their way through the disco era — laughter, stories, music, and life itself.
💃 Diana, thank you for sharing your journey — the highs, the heartbreaks, and the unstoppable joy.
You remind us all:
🎵 No mountain is ever high enough.
And 🎵 STOP — in the name of love has never felt more timely.
More than any other meal — breakfast is about feelings.
It’s not just about what’s on your plate.
It’s about how you feel the moment you sit down.
Safe. Welcomed. Cared for.
Once again, it’s been such a joy to create this little reel for you. Honestly, I’m always a bit shocked when people measure hotel quality by the size of the buffet alone (#foodwaste #fastfood — not really my thing).
Maybe this inspired you to create a beautiful breakfast for someone you love at home.
Because yes — breakfast is pure love.
It’s about feelings. And details.
In today’s Stories, I’m showing the hotel that captured this spirit best:
Le Meurice, Paris.
Where have you had your most memorable breakfast — and why?
Now I have to head downstairs… the smell of freshly ground coffee is calling.
Wishing you a gentle and delicious start into the day.
Less scrolling. Less noise. More pages.
I’m sharing 8 of my favorite summer reads in these photos — books that feel like cool shade, deep breath, and a glass of something sparkling. Some are wise, some witty, some a little wild… but all remind me that summer is giving my mind time to wander.
Because turning off the phone (even just sometimes) is a quiet rebellion.
It’s the gift of mental vacation — of letting thoughts unfold without needing to decide. Just feeling, floating, enjoying.
What I look forward to most this season?
=> The famous lightness of being.
Tell me: What are you reading this summer?
This Saturday marked another sacred point in our seasonal circle —
Midsummer/JOHANNI/SOMMER SONNENEWENDE.
This season calls for patience (which doesn’t come easily to me),
for drawing from nature’s abundance — noticing it, honouring it.
And for reflecting on relationships —
I’ve just had to say a quiet, heartfelt goodbye.
If you want to bring this powerful time into your life —
this joy, this physical ripeness, this peak-of-summer heat —
surround yourself with the colours of the season:
blue, lavender, raspberry red.
